Bridge heights and openings

There are a number of historic bridges in the Broads which present a navigational challenge to yachts and larger vessels, including a mixture of rail swing bridges, road bridges and pedestrian foot bridges.

On this page you can find information on how to pass through most of the bridges in the Broads area, as well as be signposted to where to head for guidance on navigating larger vessels into the Broads or bringing them in from the sea.

You can find a table at the bottom of this page which lists all the bridges to be aware of, as well as their width and clearance.

Bridges requiring openings

Rail swing bridges

There are rail bridges at Somerleyton, Reedham, Trowse and Oulton Broad that have been constructed with swing mechanisms which are staffed and opened by Network Rail as required by individual vessels.

Although the rail swing bridges at Somerleyton and Reedham may be opened by Network Rail without a direct contact being made with the operator, individual vessels may use VHF channel 12 to request a specific opening where required. The bridges can be swung 24 hours a day.

Trowse bridge currently is currently experiencing mechanical problems requiring extra assistance to operate. Network Rail therefore require seven days’ notice to open the bridge. The opening times are 9.05 am on Sundays and any day between 02.00 am and 04.00 am. To arrange opening please call Network Rail on either 01603 675297 or 01603 763440. Any problems in arranging the opening of the bridge should be reported to the Broads Authority on 01603 756085 or to Rob.Rogers@broads-authority.gov.uk, who will be pleased to assist.

You can now contact the Network Rail swing bridge operators directly using the following details:

• Trowse Swing Bridge: Tel 01603 675297 or 01603 763440 (seven days notice required for openings)
• Oulton Broad Swing Bridge: Tel 0330 852 5351
• Reedham Swing Bridge: Tel 0330 858 4655
• Somerleyton Swing Bridge: Tel 0330 858 4656

Contact to the Swing Bridge operators is also available on VHF Radio Channel 12.

Norwich bridges

Other types of road and pedestrian bridges open by lifting mechanisms and these are at Novi Sad, St Julian's and Carrow Road bridge in Norwich (as well as at Breydon Bridge in Great Yarmouth).

For the three Norwich bridges, an opening can be arranged through Broads Control on 01603 756056 providing at least 24 hours notice.

Mutford Lock

Mutford Lock, at the western end of Lake Lothing, allows craft visiting Lowestoft access to the Broads. Lowestoft Harbour bridge and the rail/road bridges at Oulton Broad must be passed before reaching the lock.

All vessels within the Port of Lowestoft must make every reasonable effort to establish and maintain contact with the Lowestoft Harbour Control on VHF Channel 14 or communicate your intended passage plan by calling by telephone on 01502 572286. More information for small craft and yachts can be found here: Associated British Ports Port of Lowestoft.

Mutford Lock is operated by Oulton Broad Yacht Station and passage can be organised by using VHF Channel 73, or phoning 01502 531778. Lock passage also includes arrangements for Oulton Road Bridge and Oulton Rail Bridge.

Openings:

• April to October: 08:00 - 18:00, seven days per week but bank holidays are 24hr advance booking only.
• November to March: 08.00 - 12.00, seven days per week but not available on bank holidays.

A charge of £17.00 per day is made per vessel for the use of the lock (which includes a return journey on the same day). This charge also covers visiting vessels for the use of Oulton Broad (only) on the day of entry and up to midnight on the day following. For longer stays or to cruise further into the system a Short visit toll remains payable.

Breydon Bridge

Breydon Bridge carries the A47 in Great Yarmouth across the River Yare close to Breydon Water. It is a single-span drawbridge with an opening span width of 23m.

Vessels will be grouped together on lifts whenever possible. When craft are to transit the bridge in opposite directions, those vessels going ‘with the tide’ will be given priority.

Lifts for weekends should be booked by 16:00 on Friday or on the previous working day in the case of Public Holidays.

To arrange passage:

• Phone the bookings line on 01493 651275
• Email Peel Ports
• Or use call sign “Breydon Bridge” on VHF Channel 12.

The Bridge is only manned ten minutes before a lift and vessels waiting for a lift should seek advice from the Bridge Master if in any doubt.

Bridges outside the Broads navigation area

Information about navigating bridges outside the Broads navigation area, including in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, can be found on our bringing your boat from the sea webpage.

For more extensive details of bridges in the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft Port areas, including their clearance and how to request openings, you can also refer to the relevant Harbour Authority’s website.

List of Broads bridges

Clearance measurements for bridges given are at Average High Water. There will be greater clearance near Low Water, especially at Great Yarmouth and in the southern rivers. Barometric pressure, rainfall and wind conditions affect river levels so caution should be exercised and bridge gauge board carefully noted.

Bridges with an asterisk (*) are arched bridges and the clearance given is in the centre.

NB - In all cases, tidal levels can vary considerably and so affect the above figures.

Other useful information

Gauge boards

Most bridges have a gauge board which give you the definite current clearance available (below you can see a picture of a gauge board). Where the water lines up with a measurement will give you the clearance currently available at any given time. e.g. in the picture the water lines up with 9'9" or 3m, and so this would be the clearance available. You still need to take account of other issues, including wind and waves as this can mean you boat rises and falls, so please allow more clearance in poor conditions.

You should also consider the shape of bridge (arch bridges can mean more clearance will be required for wider boats), the design of the boat and the experience of the person at the helm. Most bridges also have advance gauge boards in place so you can see the available clearance before reaching a bridge in order to plan your timings ahead of your arrival.

If you notice any issues with any of the bridge gauge boards, including damage, please contact Broads Control and let us know.

Bridge Pilots at Potter Heigham and Wroxham

Phoenix Fleet operate a pilot service allowing hire boats (and private boats) to pass through Potter Heigham Bridge (depending on the tidal level). For day launches the charge to hirers is £10 for a return journey, and for yachts/cabin cruisers it is £15 return. Hirers can pay in cash or by credit card. The telephone number for the pilot service is 01692 670460 and you can also call this number for more information.

Norfolk Broads Direct also operate a pilot service at Wroxham Bridge. This service will be available from 8.30am – 5pm seven days a week, beginning Saturday 28 March through to the end of October 2026. The service is for hire boats only, although the pilot/NBD are happy to give guidance and advice to private boats.

Boaters can contact the pilot service by calling 07775 297638 (there may be slight delays at peak times). The charge for return passage will be £15.00, payable by card or mobile device directly to a card reader carried by the Pilot.

Frequently asked questions

Will my boat pass through the bridge?

Passing under bridges can be dangerous if not done properly. Know the air draft of your boat (the height of your boat from the waterline to the highest part of the boat) and check the clearance available on the gauge board at each bridge every time you pass through. Tides and rainfall amounts can alter the level of the water and so the amount of clearance will also vary by several feet in some places.

Who has right of way when passing through a bridge?

Vessels travelling against the current (into the flow) must give way and allow vessels travelling with the current (being pushed by the flow) to pass through the bridge first.

How do I deal with the flow of water under bridges?

Be aware that bridges create a narrowing in the river and can cause the flow to increase in speed meaning you may feel like your boat has slowed, do not increase speed as this will lead to an increase in wash. Once through the bridge the flow will return to normal.

How can I keep the people on-board safe?

The helm should ensure the boat and everyone onboard is prepared well in advance of reaching the bridge.  If required, windscreens should be lowered and anything that has been placed on top of the vessel removed.  Crew members must get to a lower part of the vessel and prepare to duck down if necessary. Life jackets should be worn by everyone out on deck.

How can I get a swing bridge to open?

A single red flag indicates the bridge is working and in service, two red flags indicate it is not working and it is not in service. In the photograph you can see Reedham Swing Bridge flying one red flag to show it is working and in service.

You will also need to take note of any bridge keeper’s signboards. The 'bridge will open' board relates only to the waiting time. This is a fixed sign and will not be withdrawn even when the bridge goes 'off service'.

The signal requiring the bridge to open is three prolonged blasts on the horn or whistle. Most bridges also monitor VHF Channel 12, but during urgent or emergency matters relating to the rail network, the radio will not be answered.

If you have any problems you can contact Broads Control on 01603 756056.

My boat might not clear the bridge if I don't lower my screen, but I'd rather leave the boat as it is. Will the bridge still open?

The bridges will only open for craft clearly unable to pass under.

What should I do whilst waiting for the bridge to open?

Power driven boats navigating against the current or tidal flow should ease speed or stop when approaching a bridge to allow boats navigating with the current or tidal flow to have right of way.

Whilst waiting for the bridge to open, keep well clear. Tides can run very strongly, especially at Reedham and Somerleyton.  Pontoons are available for boats waiting for bridges at upstream and downstream of Reedham and Somerleyton bridges. Please take note of the tidal flow direction when mooring on the pontoons and ensure you approach into the tide.

Do bridges have scheduled opening times?

Reedham and Somerleyton swing bridges have no scheduled times, but opening throughout the day is dependent on the train timetable. Trowse swing bridge requires advanced notice to open which can be arrange through Broads Control 01603 756056.

A train crossed over the bridge 10 minutes ago but the bridge has still not opened, why?

The bridge operator has to wait for a safety clearance signal from operators further down the line before opening the bridge.

Alternatively there may be another train due, or there may be an emergency which takes priority over opening the bridge.

When I see the bridge open should I hurry through?

No, you should never ‘race’ for a bridge. Please consider moored boats and monitor your boat wash and keep to the speed limits.